Alabama A&M redshirt freshman linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. has passed away at the age of 20.
On Friday, the coroner for Jefferson County released a statement stating that Burnett died from a head injury sustained during a game against Alabama State on October 26, according to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com).
The declaration concluded a sequence of perplexing occurrences regarding the matter.
Alabama A&M first reported Burnett’s passing on Wednesday morning. Nonetheless, confusion surrounded the situation when the school released a retraction later that day, stating that Burnett was still alive and receiving treatment for a head injury.
The school stated that the first report of Burnett’s death was received from “an immediate family member” on Tuesday evening, leading to the announcement being made on Wednesday morning.
Alabama A&M’s withdrawal stated:
“Our team responded in alignment with the family’s request to notify the A&M community and others about this tragic event.” After speaking with a representative from UAB Hospital this afternoon, we found out that he is still alive.
“We convey our prompt remorse for spreading inaccurate information.” Nonetheless, we find great happiness in the fact that Medrick is still in stable condition.
Two days later on Friday, the coroner of Jefferson County verified that Burnett was declared dead at 5:43 p.m. Wednesday at UAB Medical Center.
WAFF 48 stated that Burnett sustained an injury during the Bulldogs’ 27-19 defeat against Alabama State on Oct. 26. His sibling, Dominece James, launched a GoFundMe shortly after the initial injury, stating he was in the ICU and had suffered “multiple brain bleeds and brain swelling.”
Burnett played in seven games for Alabama A&M this season and recorded five total tackles.
The Lakewood, California, native is in his first complete year with the program after transferring from Grambling State. He pursued Cedric Thornton, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Grambling State before coming back to his alma mater and becoming part of the Bulldogs’ staff during the offseason.
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